Few things capture the magic of Puerto Vallarta like dinner by the water — your toes in the sand, the sound of the surf, a cold drink in hand and the sun melting into Banderas Bay. The city's coastline is lined with everything from rustic palapa shacks serving the morning's catch to polished oceanview terraces. Here are ten of our favorite seaside restaurants in Puerto Vallarta, each offering its own flavor of beachfront dining.
1. La Palapa
A Vallarta icon on Los Muertos Beach. Candle-lit tables sit right on the sand, tiki torches flicker, and the upscale Mexican menu and beachside breakfasts are equally memorable. The most romantic toes-in-the-sand spot in town.
2. Le Kliff
Built dramatically into the cliffs south of the city, with the Pacific crashing below and panoramic views in every direction. Sunset here is genuinely jaw-dropping — book ahead and arrive early.
3. Vista Grill
Perched on a hillside above the bay, it's not on the sand but offers one of the finest panoramic ocean views in the city, paired with refined cuisine and a serious wine list.
4. Daiquiri Dick's
A longtime favorite right on Los Muertos Beach, beloved for consistent food, a breezy open-air room and front-row seats to the beach scene from breakfast to dinner.
5. The Blue Shrimp
A lively, casual beachfront spot specializing in shrimp prepared every way imaginable, sold by weight. Great for families and groups who want fresh seafood with sand underfoot.
6. El Dorado
One of the oldest beach restaurants on Los Muertos, serving classic Mexican seafood with a laid-back vibe and an unbeatable beachfront location.
7. Mariscos Tino's
A local institution for seafood — the El Pitillal and beachfront locations draw crowds for whole grilled fish, pescado zarandeado and seafood towers. This is where locals go.
8. Si Señor Beach
Classic Mexican flavors with a beautiful beachfront setting and Malecón-area views. Festive, colorful and great for a sunset cocktail before dinner.
9. The Palm Beach Club
A relaxed beach club setting where you can lounge, swim and dine all afternoon, with fresh seafood and cocktails delivered right to your beach bed.
10. Las Palomas
A north-Malecón favorite right on the water, famous for its beachfront breakfasts and traditional Mexican dishes with one of the best morning views in town.
The best seasoning at any seaside table in Vallarta is the sea breeze and a sunset over the bay.
Want the Beach Without the Crowds?
Seaside restaurants are a Vallarta rite of passage — but if you're staying somewhere with an oceanview terrace or beachfront villa, you can have the same magic in total privacy. We'll bring the catch of the day, fire up the grill and serve a beautiful seafood dinner right where you're staying, with your own private sunset. Browse our sample menus or get in touch to plan a seaside dinner of your own.